Integrated fitment for aseptic packaging

Abstract

The present invention provides a fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway between the two and a plug member which is sized to be received in the passageway. The plug member also has a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with the first end of the spout member when the plug member is received in the passageway.

1. A fitment, for use on a flexible container for use in aseptic packaging, said fitment, comprising:
 (A) a spout member having a first end and a second end, and defining a passageway therebetween, said second end having a flange for attachment of said spout member to a flexible container; and 
 (B) a plug member having a body portion being sized to be received within said passageway of said spout member and a flange for attaching said plug member to said flexible container; 
 wherein said body portion of said plug member has an upper surface portion that is substantially planar and lies adjacent to, and in sealing engagement with, said first end of said spout member when said plug member is received within said passageway of said spout member and said plug member having at least one additional seal with said spout member in close relationship to the second end of said spout member; 
 wherein said upper surface portion of said body portion of said plug member is made of a first material comprising an elastomer, and said plug member is made of a second material comprising a plastic, said first material having a higher melting point than said second material. 
 
   
   
     2. The fitment according to  claim 1 , wherein said plug member and said upper surface portion are integrally formed. 
   
   
     3. A fitment, for use on a flexible container, comprising:
 (A) a spout member having a first end and a second end and defining a passageway there-between; and said second end having a flange for attachment of said spout member to a flexible container; and 
 (B) a plug member sized to be received in said passageway and having a leading end that lies in sealing engagement with said first end of said spout member when the plug member is received in said passageway and a flange for attaching said plug member to said flexible container; 
 wherein said body portion of said plug member has an upper surface portion that is substantially planar and lies adjacent to, and in sealing engagement with, said first end of said spout member when said plug member is received within said passageway of said spout member and said plug member having at least one additional seal with said spout member in close relationship to the second end of said spout member; 
 wherein said upper surface portion of said body portion of said plug member is made of a first material comprising an elastomer, and said plug member is made of a second material comprising a plastic, said first material having a higher melting point than said second material. 
 
   
   
     4. A flexible container, comprising:
 (A) at least a pair of opposed flexible walls sealingly attached to each other and forming a container therebetween; and 
 (B) the fitment of  claim 1  attached thereto wherein the 
 spout member is attached to the inner surface of a first flexible wall of said container; 
 and 
 a plug member attached to the inner surface of a wall that is an opposing wall to said first flexible wall of said at least a pair of opposed flexible walls, 
 wherein said plug member is sized to be received in said passageway of said spout member, and 
 wherein said plug member has leading end that lies in sealing engagement and flush with said first end of said spout member when said plug member is received in the passageway.